I had the opportunity to hear Bill Corfield play a NH set with his T2 and Bose L1 w/sub and was totally impressed with everything I heard. The Bose was tight and the bass was surprisingly strong. Bill also uses a ToneMatch module for his setup, which he says really makes a big difference. It's a great sound for $2000+.

OTOH, it comes in four pieces - the two columns, the base and the sub, not including the ToneMatch. Each piece is substantial in weight, at least 25 lbs each. The base is the heaviest and bulkiest. I have a Mackie 808s powred mixer that is no heavier than the base and two 300i speakers that are only somewhat heavier than the columns. I also have a padded nylon bag for the speaker stands. Total cost under $2000.

So what's the fuss. No fuss, just wanted to show that a good, regular system does not have to be big, heavy or unmanageable AND that the Bose L1 system is not really that light - it is more compact on stage.

Is the Bose system better than a regular style PA? That's a very subjective question. I will say that the Bose is a premier system, sounds great and I certainly would not refuse one.

[This message has been edited by cassp (edited 08-01-2009).]

Don't underestimate the L1 Compact. I play in a 60X40 room to 150 people. They just love the sound, and I am at 1/2 volume. My L1 Classic is resting in my closet.

Bose L1 Classic

Power Stand = 35 pounds
Lower Line Array = 16 pounds
Upper Line Array = 14.5 pounds
Bass Module = 28 pounds
Remote Control = 0.6 pounds
Total combined weight = 94.1 pounds
Total power 750-watts RMS, 1,500-watts peak power

Bose L1 Compact
Power Stand W/Speakers = 24.6 pounds
L1 Compact Extensions = 2.3 pounds
Total combined weight W/Extensions = 29.2 pounds
Total power = 200-watts Max

I don't think anyone is underestimating the Bose, whether Compact or full L1. There are certainly enough adherents here for it to be recognized as a legitimate contender. What I think many of us try to point out, though, is that it isn't the be all and end all of PA's, despite what some of it's fans say. It has a distinct 'sound', and a distinct coverage pattern that works great IF you are looking for that specific sound and coverage. If you aren't, then other systems work possibly even better.

Nigel's got a pretty good post on another thread http://www.synthzone.com/ubbs/Forum37/HTML/019896.html that I think nails what I've been trying to say (and maybe, because he's a user AND moderator, you can cut him some slack for saying it! ) about the sound.

But I think that no-one here is dismissive of the Bose, just willing to offer other options (often considerably less expensive) for consideration...

[This message has been edited by Diki (edited 08-01-2009).]

I'm lovin the Bose Compact for my small gigs....and when I need more for the big gigs I add two L/R power 15's to the rig to give it some thump...sounds great with super coverage.

I'm makin like a squirrel saving up my nuts so I can get me one of them Compacts too. There could be a fire sale for a Kustom 100w/15" keyboard amp and a pair of 12" monitors. And the CM-30s could be coaxed out of me for the right price. Anyone interested email me.

cassp50@gmail.com

Picking up on Diki's point about 'other' PA systems and not wanting to divert this thread from the newest Boses (or Bosi ), but I heard a band the other night using a Peavey 10-channel mixer/amp through a pair of Bose 802's and they packed some serious wallop. Anyone used Bose 802's here?

I believe it's Bo..gus .

chas

Hi Guys - I know the hype on the Bose sure put a damper on the Podium Pro's...I know they were hot on here for a while...

The Bose looks like a great solution for a lot of situations. Thinkin' a little about one for myself for my 'trax n' sax' gigs...

Randy

Interesting to note that 2 x Compacts weighs a lot less than 1 x Classic.